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Deeply Carved Early Spice Box
New England, likely southeast Massachusetts, ca. 18th century
Original dry patinated surface. Thick pine top and bottom, ash side wall. The subtly domed top deeply carved with a 6-lobed geometric, the border chip carved. Joinery by wooden pegs and pewter nails, a feature noted in a small number of boxes found in the area south and east of Boston. Speculations is that the pewter nails were used as they would outlast iron nails in the salty coastal air.
Deeply carved boxes like this are noted in Nina Fletcher Little’s Neat and Tidy as used for spices.
Very stout and sturdy, possibly a minor ancient loss at the top of the finger where it meets a wooden peg. About 4 3/8 inches diameter x 2 ½ tall. Provenance: Peter Eaton, private collection.
Unusually Small Very Early Painted Box
New England, ca. 1720-1760
Rosehead Nails!
.....sale pending
Bone-dry original dark red paint, with deep patina, on pine. Large wonderful rosehead nails. Retains original snipe hinges.
A form often noted as a bible box, yet much smaller, just 9 ½ inches long x 3 ¾ tall x 4 5/8 deep. Untouched original condition, missing only the little latch wire.
A rarity in size, a little time capsule. From a private New York State collection.
Special! Graphic Paint Decorated Oval Box
.....sale pending
Probably Northeast, ca. 1840.
Dry original paint on what appears to be ash sidewall and poplar top and bottom. Such a strong visual impact in such as small box. The images show it well. Fine condition; the top doesn’t want to sit fully flush yet virtually unnoticeable.
About 6 inches long x 5 wide x 2 ¼ tall.
TEA TABLE.
18th Century
Design Triumph.
.....sale pending
New England, perhaps Massachusetts, ca. mid-18th century.
PERFECTION in the proportion of its double-splayed baluster-turned legs in relation to the apron and its overhanging oval top. Note the apron is not squared, rather canted, and with molded lower edges. Appears to be maple with period black paint on red graining, the top well worn. Expertly turned and joined by a skilled and sophisticated maker with crisp lathe and molding work, with mortice and tenon joinery retaining wooden pegs that stand well proud of the surface. Structurally sensational condition including turned feet of full height.
Diminutive size of just 23 ¾ inches tall; top: 27 3/4 x 21 ¼, suggesting use as a in-home tea table. From a private New England collection purchased decades ago at the Wilton Antique Show in Connecticut.
18th century design at its finest, made during a period in which for many the design of their furniture (as in art or sculpture) was as important as its function.
BEST(!) Tab-Handle
Ash Burl Bowl
.....sale pending
Northeast America, ca. 1800.
Colonial made, lathe turned. Ash burl with beautiful original complex dry unfinished surface with graduated interior (lighter at the rim and darker within). Rich nutty brown color. Tab or lug handles, scarcely found on a round bowl. Diameter about 13 ½ inches x 4 deep. Superior condition, form, surface, crispness.
BEST of form. Provenance includes Bill Samaha, Olde Hope, Don Olson, private New York State collection.
Stack of Three Oval Painted Opposing-Finger Boxes
Likely Hingham area, Massachusetts, ca. early to mid-19th century.
All original paint, all dry surfaces, ranging in size from 3 ¾ inches (mustard) to 4 5/8 (green) to 6 inches (red). Appealing synergistic color contrast and graduated sizes. The mustard box is signed underneath, likely by an early owner.
Exceptional Schoolgirl Coastal Riverscape or Inlet and Townscape
New England, ca. 1820.
Likely Portland, Maine.
Watercolor, pen & ink, on paper.
This painting excels with boldly saturated blues and verdant greens and a composition rich with cool vignettes, featuring a large ocean sailing ship, flying the American flag, likely safely anchored from the Atlantic within the river.....
Provenance includes a private midwestern collection; Jon and Rebecca Zoler, Sotheby’s 2005; private Portland Maine collection; F.O. Bailey, 1988.
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